Chennai, Jan 25 (ANI): Eleven battleships of Eastern Fleet, the sword arm of Eastern Naval Command, took part in an exercise on the Bay of Bengal, off Chennai on Sunday.

The hallmark of the exercise was to provide an opportunity for the family members of naval personnel and select civilians to watch manoeuvres of ships at close quarters. They were specially ferried to the INS Jalaswa one of the ships participating in the exercise.

Briefing media persons aboard the ship, Rear Admiral P Murugesan, Flag Officer Commanding of Eastern Fleet, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring battle preparedness of the ships in case of any eventuality.

“To show the naval capabilities, that we are fully ready to address any eventualities as for as the coastal security is concerned. The main aim was that and we have given today a glimpse of various naval activities that we do at the sea, a glimpse that’s what you have seen today. But we much more than what you have seen,” Murugesan added.

Among the various manoeuvres on the high seas was the search and rescue operations conducted by helicopters.

With clear blue skies and calm seas, the 11 warships displayed their maritime prowess.

Manoeuvre of submarines in deep blue sea, followed by jackstay, a seamanship evolution carried out in very close proximity to enable transfer of stores and personnel from one ship to another while moving through the water also lent moments of thrills to the onlookers.

The INS Rajput, INS Rana, INS Jalaswa, INS Kulish, INS Nirbhik, INS Nishank, INS Cheriyam and INS Baratang took part in the exercise apart from Seaward Defence-58 and Fast Attack Craft-84.

The drill concluded with demonstration of Close Range Anti Aircraft (CRAA) firing.

For the family members of the naval personnel, this exercise depicted the life that the naval sailors and officers have to endure at sea, particularly while confronting the enemies.

“By looking at this demonstration we have come to know what all hardships our Indian Navy goes through in order to ensure the safety of people living in the coastal areas. We have seen every thing with our own eyes and I think it’s so much educative and informative for the young children to watch and experience. I am spellbound and lucky to have witnessed the event,” said Neenu, a visitor aboard INS Jalaswa.

After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coastguard have joined hands to step up coastal security through constant patrolling of the territorial waters. (ANI)